Putative Greenland Wheatear

Its said that familiarity breeds contempt and that was certainly the case when I photographed this male wheatear on the lower slopes of Mynydd Coety recently. Wheatears are widespread on the hills around Blaenavon and following the inital notirity of seeing the birds returning in March they are relegated to 'banker' status for a birding walk throughout Spring and Summer. It wasn't until I posted a photograph on my Twitter account was the prospect of a Greenland wheatear given any consideration. It was a suggestion from local birder Graig Conatance that got me to give this bird the level of scrutiny it rightly deserved.

Greenland wheatear sub-species Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa breed in Iceland and Greenland but pass through Britain on their way to their breeding grounds. Although one can never be sure this is O o leucorhoa there are field signs that can help. Note this bird has a strong brown tinge to its mantle. The Greenland race is said to be chunkier - note the pot belly. And the breast coluration is extensive. 

So there you have it Greenland wheatear, yes or no, take your pick.